And speaking of passion, our sexual desire may be more intense during this time but it’s possible that frustrations might arise whether you’re in a partnership or not. It’s a good time for an exercise routine to help release some of this pent up energy. Or it may be a time in which we rediscover our connection to our sexuality and how we relate to it and express it. The retrograde may distort our judgment about who we choose to explore this side of ourselves with, so be careful, but Virgo at least may offer us a little bit of discernment.
Retrograde cycles are something to embrace. It’s very rare not to have a planet retrograde in the sky, and depending on which planet it is, will determine the collective lessons we will be receiving at that time. Mars happens to retrograde less often than any of the other planets, so when it’s retrograde cycle comes around, its presence will create an impact in our lives and the lessons we learn will be long lasting.
Let’s get a little more specific on how this Mars retrograde will affect each sign (and rising sign).
Aries and Ascendant (rising) – This Mars retrograde will affect you on a more personal level because it rules your first house of body, personality and how others see you. It is your sign ruler, or chart ruler if you are an Aries rising. Mars is retrograding in your solar sixth house of work, health and daily routines, so these areas in your life will be most affected and in need of re-organizing. It’s important now to slow down and re-assess how you take action and assert yourself in order to get what you want out of life in these areas. Give yourself plenty of time to rest and relax and find healthy ways to express frustrations at work.
Taurus and Taurus Ascendant - Mars rules your twelfth house of spirituality, intuition, and the unconscious. As Mars retrogrades you may find that your intuition and judgment are off, and you could be acting more from your unconscious self than from clear awareness. Watch out for the tendency to get lost in addictions or obsessing over the past. Mars will be retrograding in your fifth house of romance, creativity, and children. These are areas where you may find frustrations or lack of self-confidence. Try not to make hasty decisions based on these frustrations and give yourself time to re-asses your goals and inspiration in creative projects.
Gemini and Gemini Ascendant – Mars rules your eleventh house of dreams, aspirations, business networking and friends, and you might see challenges in or have low self-confidence around generating income from your dream job. Mars is retrograding in your forth house of home, emotions, and childhood. These are areas that might slow down or bring up frustrations. Emotions from childhood may arise that need to be dealt with, and your home situation might be the source of conflict and restructuring. Find healthy ways to express these emotions and work through unresolved childhood issues.
Cancer and Cancer Ascendant – Mars rules your tenth house of career and public recognition. You may find yourself re-assessing your career choice or having a difficult time getting the promotion you’ve been wanting. Mars will be retrograding through your solar third house of short travel, communication, studies, siblings and neighbors. You may find trouble in these areas but take care in how you express yourself and your anger as you may regret it later on. You also may find yourself unmotivated in your current area of study now so it is good time to re-think your direction.
Leo and Leo Ascendant – Mars rules your ninth house of higher learning, travel, ideals, and spiritual beliefs. If you’re traveling you might find yourself hitting obstacles along the way. You’re beliefs and perspectives may be changing during this time so allow yourself time for reflection, and try to see the bigger picture in challenging situations. Mars is retrograding in your solar second house of money, security and self worth. How much you value yourself on an emotional and financial level is up for re-assessment.
